Bitter Orange And Your Health.
Bitter orange has been heralded as the stand-alone, all-natural supplement for weight loss. Most nutraceutical companies market it as an appetite suppressant in general while some point to its capacity to burn body fats. Today little is known about its centuries-long association with herbal medicine although it remains in wide use in the East in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, especially indigestion. In South America it is usually taken as a mild relaxant to aid against anxiety and insomnia. Elsewhere, it is best known as a homeopathic remedy for headache, gout, sore throat, and obesity.
Citrus aurantium is the plant species we refer to as bitter orange. It is widely distributed across the globe, with different subspecies and varieties found in almost every continent. The Asian cultivar called daidai originated in the Himalayas and made its way to Japan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is widely used as a digestive and expectorant. The subspecies amara is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and in recent years has been associated with aromatherapy because of its essential oil.
Food and Beverage
There are several notable varieties in Europe, such as bigaradia, myrtifolia, and bergamia. Bigaradia, also called Seville orange, is known for its pleasant acidic taste used in marmalade, in the French dessert compote, and in liqueur like triple sec, Grand Marnier, and Curaçao. Myrtifolia, better known as chinotto as it is widely believed to have originated from China, is added to an Italian beverage of the same name. On the other hand, bergamia is an important ingredient in the perfume industry, but is also highly priced in the tea industry for its distinct aroma, as in Earl Grey tea.
Bitter Orange tradition
Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Northern Asia, bitter orange, or daidai, is reputed for its curative properties acting on the digestive system and soothing effects on the respiratory tract. Both the Japanese and the Chinese do not consume the fruits as they are very bitter in taste, but they value the dried rind for its medicinal uses. It is one of the plant species listed on Kampo, the traditional Japanese medical system integrated into natural health care, where it is called kijitsu. Its leaves and flowers are added to teas and cakes as a viable treatment for indigestion. Other parts of the plants are also used as expectorants to relieve chest pain.
Homeopathic Remedies
Bitter orange is a homeopathic remedy for headache, diarrhea, and hypertension. Also, the modern-day use of orange peel extracts as a weight-loss supplement may have developed from earlier homeopathic practices. Proponents of homeopathy believe that bitter orange promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients when taken even in very small concentrations.
Supplements
Bitter orange supplements work on the principle of speeding up metabolism. Extracts from various cultivars contain similar phytochemicals that bring about an increase in body temperature and heart rate by acting on certain adrenergic receptors. While there has been no serious side effects tied to bitter orange, it is recommended to consult with medical professionals for possible drug interactions when taken with prescription medications.
Get Bitter Orange Today!
Bitter Orange is an inexpensive herb available at your health food store. Get some today!